David Jones, I believe, is one of the greatest twentieth century poets in
English. I have thought so since I first began to read him, years ago, and
myregard for his gift has deepened with continued reading. But he remains one
of the least known major writers of his time. That may be partly because of
the density of his allusions, which draw upon the literary and historic roots
that nourished his original talent. I know of no one who has done as much as
Tom Dilworth to elucidate the cotnexutal framework of those allusions, and
their intimate role in the development of Jones's great works and "fragments." As
Tom Dilworth makes the background of those writings clearer and more comprehensible
he confirms the power, depth, and relevance of the work as a whole.
—W.S Merwin, 7 April 2008